This handsome boy is Eres, a 1-year-old pit bull who had been limping on his right hind leg for a few months, and it wasn't getting any better.

Eres’ family has fallen on some tough times, and currently neither parent is working. Eres’ mom knew that she had to take care of her beloved dog, so she brought him to the vet for a checkup. At the visit, she was told that Eres likely had hip dysplasia and would need to try some medication to help ease his pain.

For those who don’t know, common signs of hip dysplasia include:

Bunny hopping (especially up stairs)

Difficulty getting up from lying or sitting positions.

Reluctance to run, jump, climb stairs.

Sitting in "frog" position (one hip splays out)

Be sure to speak with your vet if you think your dog may have signs of hip dysplasia. Please consult a vet before you give your pet medication for pain management. Aspirin should not be given to your pet without a vet’s direction. And other pain relievers such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen should never be given.

At the visit, Eres was put on Rimadyl, which meant he had to get some blood work done. The vet also told Eres’ mom that he would need to have X-rays if the limping didn't get better. Luckily, Eres has been feeling much better since he started Rimadyl, and currently doesn’t need to get X-rays done.

Hint: If you do give your pup Rimadyl, be sure to check out the Rimadyl Rewards Program. For every bottle purchased, you'll get points for a refund. You'll also receive credit on a special Rimadyl card to use for future meds or yearly blood tests. Be sure to talk with your vet about this program.

​Fur Kids Foundation is grateful for the dedication of our volunteers and supporters who have helped local families stay happy and healthy, and together! If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help families in Campbell County, Wyoming with animals, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. The money helps families during a time when they may not be able to afford adequate veterinary care. Check out more Success Stories.

In March 2017, Fur Kids Foundation had six families apply for assistance, and we were able to help three of those families—for a total of $241.93 given in aid. In 2017, we have given $3,345.68 to families in Campbell County, Wyoming to pay for emergency veterinary care. Below is a rundown of the cases we provided assistance to in March:• A cat with an abscess on the face• A dog unable to put weight on a leg• A dog with arthritis issues

This month shows that we are not always able to provide assistance to every family who requests help. This happens for many reasons. Sometimes the vet bill doesn’t end up being as costly as expected so the family tells us that they can pay the bill, sometimes the applicant doesn’t complete the entire application process, or sometimes the applicant exceeds our income guidelines. To learn more about our application process, please check out our Application for Assistance, and be sure to check out our Terms of Assistance near the bottom of the application. You may also call and speak with any of our Case Managers about the process at 307.363.1131 or email furkidsfoundation@gmail.com.

We are grateful for the dedication of Fur Kids Foundation volunteers and supporters who have helped these families stay happy and healthy, and together! When you volunteer, attend an event, or help us raise money by supporting the businesses that support us with promotions, these families and pets are who you are helping. Thank you again for all that you do for the Foundation, and for families with pets in Campbell County, Wyoming.

Please take a minute to check out our Success Stories and read more about the families with pets that we help. The Fur Kids Foundation board of directors work very hard to make sure that the majority of the money we raise helps local families; in 2016, more than 75% of the money we have raised was spent on emergency veterinary care. Please consider a donation to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help families stay healthy and happy in Campbell County, Wyoming.

Tara has likely spent hundreds of hours with Fur Kids Foundation as a board member, and we’re happy that she continues to give us her time as a volunteer as well! In March, Tara helped to arrange a fundraiser for the Foundation with JBloom Versatile Unique Jewelry with independent distributor Mandy Holcomb. For those who don’t know, JBloom offers one-of-a-kind pieces jewelry options that are trendy and fashionable. You can learn more about it here: www.myjbloom.com/mandyholcomb.

If you’re interested in attending the Fundraiser, join us on Saturday, April 22 at 1 pm at Tara’s. If you cannot make the event, you’ll be able to shop online from April 19-25. You can join the event on Facebook. You can also check out some fun pieces below.

The Foundation is encouraging all of our volunteers to hold fundraisers that could benefit the Foundation in 2017, and we’re very happy that Tara was able to set it up so quickly. If you have a fundraiser idea from a friend who sells a product, let Mary or Felicia know at volunteerfkf@gmail.com. It helps us the most if you can set up and arrange the fundraiser to benefit the Foundation on your own; but, we are willing to help if you need it.

Thank you Tara for joining our pawsome pack! We appreciate you.

Did you know that Fur Kids Foundation is a 100% volunteer ran organization? We're able to help sweet animals and their families because of the dedication of our volunteers who plan and work fundraisers, promote the organization and support our community. Our volunteers are our heroes. If you are interested in learning how you can help us help more animals in Campbell County, Wyoming, please complete our application online or email Fur Kids Foundation at volunteerfkf@gmail.com.

Created in November 2011, the Fur Kids Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides education and aid to promote the well-being of animals in Campbell County.

Your donation saves lives. It goes to work helping animals in Campbell County receive adequate veterinary care during a time when their family may not be able to afford it. Please contact the Foundation to learn more or donate now using PayPal.

Author

The Fur Kids Foundation blog is written by board member and Founder Felicia. If you have ideas that you would like to see published in the blog such as concerns about pet-focused topics in the community or a funny story, please contact the Foundation. Enjoy!